FIFA invoke little-known rule after World Cup star's red card as Donald Trump gets involved

USA striker Folarin Balogun will be permitted to take part in the host nation's World Cup round-of-16 tie against Belgium despite being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.

Balogun, who has netted three times for the USA during the tournament, as well as producing three assists, was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Tarik Muharemović during Mauricio Pochettino's side’s 2-0 win over Bosnia at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 2.

The forward, therefore, received an automatic one-match ban. However, FIFA have since decided to allow him to play in the upcoming last-16 clash on July 7, suspending his ban for a year while citing Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

"In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," global football's governing body said in a statement.

"If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement."

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The decision has drawn criticism from some quarters, with suggestions FIFA are altering the rules to benefit the host nation, although it's fair to say US President Donald Trump, who has worked closely with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, approves.

"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP," he wrote on Truth Social.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among a number of high-profile figures who initially asked for the decision to be reviewed.

"They got screwed with that red card," Rubio told reporters at the White House after the USA's victory over Bosnia.

"There needs to be an appeal process for that. It's probably too late for that, right?"

According to British journalist Ben Jacobs: “The White House made a direct call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card. FIFA approached for comment and referred to the findings of its independent committee. FIFA sources insist White House influence could not affect the decision due to the powers contained in Article 27 and the independent nature of the disciplinary panel."

If the USA beat Belgium in Seattle, they will reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

What do FIFA's rules say?

As per FIFA's World Cup regulations: "If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.

"Any suspension that cannot be served during the FIFA World Cup 26 will be carried over to the representative team's next official match in accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code."